Chicago Cubs History: Regaling the top five MVPs in franchise history

Chicago Cubs: Rogers Hornsby, 2B, 1929

Unbridled to a single other Cubs player and their best career season is Rogers Hornsby, who is responsible for one of, if not, the best single-seasons in franchise history. It would probably rival some of the top dogs for one of the best seasons ever, although Hornsby did have a better season than this before he joined the Cubs, which is insane.

The 1929 season proved to be fortuitous for Hornsby and the Cubs as the club went all the way to the World Series. Of course, they got demolished four games to one, but it is neither here nor there. Hornsby himself played in 156 games.

Hornsby was able to stay in near-mint condition throughout his career, which was a big boost for the St. Louis Cardinals, first followed by Chicago. In 1929 Hornsby slashed a monster .380/.459/.679 with 39 home runs and 149 RBI. Hornsby also proved to be a very patient hitter as he posted a 12.2 percent walk rate to a single-digit 9.1 percent strikeout rate.

The Cubs finished 98-54, and Hornsby himself accounted for an 11.4 WAR. It was one of six seasons where Hornsby went over ten Wins Above Replacement. It is understandable to argue against the ‘Dead ball ERA,’ but, Hornsby still put on a show no matter the way you wish to try to spin it.